Posted on Jan 17, 2020
Why is the U.S. Army the only branch that wears the full-color U.S. Flag?
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I've consistently wondered why the U.S. Army is the only branch that wears the full-color U.S. Flag patch on the combat uniform. Marines don't wear anything on their combat uniform, but Navy and Air Force both wear the subdued U.S. Flag patch on theirs. AR 670-1 Ch 19-18 states "All soldiers will wear the full-color U.S. Flag embroidered insignia utility and organizational uniforms, unless deployed or in a field environment. Soldiers will wear the subdued tactical flag insignia while deployed or in a field environment." While I understand the regulation, it seems to me that wearing the subdued flag insignia would make more sense because it matches the uniform pattern. What are your thoughts? PFC (Join to see) SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG (Join to see) Capt Dwayne Conyers CPT Jack Durish SGT Ben Keen CPT (Join to see)
American Flag
Uniforms
Soldiers
DA Pam 670-1
Army Regulations
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 89
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the reson marines dont wear the flag is due to the nature of the marines duty . we do the dirty work and are known to be the presidents own. we are the only service that can be anywhere anytime at just the presidents say so. we are for america dont you be fooled but we are the presidents own.
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For the USMC, I believe a big reason Is as other folks mentioned. Camo is for work and only work. Dont wear them out in public either because they are for field work. Just different mindsets on the purpose of a uniform.
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First and foremost, the Red, White, and Blue are the "only" true colors of our flag. The reasons are as it was explained to me years ago are; the subdued flag represents the status you happen to be in at the time, the field/deployed flag is able to be seen at night with night vision devices (not necessary in garrison environment), and last but certainly not least, the uniform differences distinguishes one service from another and don't have the same missions.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Yes, the subdued IR Flags are worn in combat areas, and in the dark can only be seen using IR night-vision.
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I was told its because of joint operations with other countries, and its easier to see what country the individual belongs, the same reason we wear patches
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I just saw this question and I am curious why anyone would question or wonder about it. 1. The reg you quoted says to and also says not in field environment or while deployed. 2. What good soldier would not be proud to wear it in full color. 3. Had it been in the regs when I served I would have danced with joy when it was introduced as well as feel bad the other branches weren't allowed the same privilege.
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1SG Alan Boggs
I was going to stay silent but your post prompted me to offer my suspicion. I have worn the subdued IR flags while deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and of course the full color back here at home. It becomes a status symbol, "I'm deployed". Pictures taken posed with their weapon just dont look as heroic with a full color flag... Its kinda like having a blank firing adaptor on your rifle when your trying to look all gung-ho for the camera.
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SSG Sam Jackson
1SG Alan Boggs I appreciate that aspect. You are definitely right about trying to take a pic with the blank adapter. I was only referring to the in garrison color patch. Since the subdued patch is worn in field environment or deployment it would be difficult for an uneducated civilian to tell the difference. But I would wear either patch proudly. I love my country and it's flag which represents our Republic. Anyone privileged enough to wear it as part of the uniform should consider it an honor.
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Before 9/11 no flag was worn on the uniform. At least not when not deployed.
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Col (Join to see)
Forces deployed to the Balkans in 95/96 had the flag, even Marines, attached to the IFOR/SFOR task force.
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SFC Bert Linson
I was a member of the "Hungry 100" from 3rd COSCOM. We were the first to deploy to IFOR in Dec 95. We had no flags on our BDUs when we deployed. We got flags once we completed our jump to Camp Dallas sometime in Jan 96.
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PFC Tim Ammons
Incorrect. We were issued uniform flag patches in Bosnia in 96. I thought they looked stupid, being backwards but quickly learned why.
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I have seen both navy and airforce wear color flags in duty uniform (though they may not have been "combat" uniform but certainly flight suits.
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Because the Army always has and will lead the way contrary to what some others believe, ijs.....
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